17 October 2009 – The Philippine Embassy in the Islamic Republic reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that two Filipinos were apprehended by Iranian Authorities for attempting to smuggle illegal drugs to the Middle Eastern country.

The latest cases involved non-Iran based Filipino nationals who were duped by unscrupulous individuals, who may be connected to a network of international drug smugglers, into travelling to Iran purportedly to secure employment.

The unsuspecting victims were lured by offers of lucrative salaries in exchange for the seemingly easy task of transporting a package with their baggage. The packages, upon discovery by the Iranian customs authorities, contained illegal drugs.

In this regard, the DFA wishes to reiterate its warning to all Filipinos intending to travel to Iran to refrain from engaging in drug smuggling activities and to NOT ATTEMPT TO BRING ILLEGAL DRUGS INTO IRAN. UNDER SHARIA LAW, DRUG SMUGGLING IS PUNISHABLE BY LIFE IMPRISONMENT OR DEATH BY HANGING.

The public is also advised to be vigilant when offered similar job offers in Iran and to first check the veracity of the job being offered with the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment or the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency. END

PR-867-09, 17 October 2009— Although the elimination of nuclear weapons will not happen overnight, the Philippines said it is convinced that the objective is within reach given recent positive developments in the field of nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation, Manila’s envoy to the United Nations said.

In his statement before the First Committee of the General Assembly, Ambassador Hilario G. Davide Jr., Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations, hailed the positive signals and developments on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, particularly the recent Security Council Summit chaired by United States President Barack Obama as well as statements of world leaders that have given prominence and importance to this issue.

“The Philippines welcomes such statements and pronouncements calling for a world free of nuclear weapons but it would welcome even more concrete action and definitive plans on how to achieve the objective of global disarmament,” Ambassador Davide said as he commended the Russian Federation and the United States for agreeing to have a follow-on agreement to the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty.

Saying the present global political climate presents countries with the best opportunity to make progress towards disarmament and nonproliferation, the former Philippine Chief Justice, who is also Vice Chairman of the First Committee, said the international community must act in concert with all the political will it can muster to rid the world of nuclear weapons once and for all and save the planet and humanity.

“The Philippines calls on all other possessors of nuclear arms to take urgent steps to reduce and eventually eliminate their nuclear arsenals. The challenge is to develop a mechanism that will bring all possessors of nuclear arms into a multilateral undertaking that leads them to global nuclear disarmament,” the Filipino envoy said.

In his statement, Ambassador Davide said the Philippines supports the calls for irreversible and complete elimination of nuclear weapons under international supervision and is prepared to examine proposals for a phased process leading to the ultimate objective of achieving total nuclear disarmament and to secure the agreements under a nuclear convention.

“The Philippines subscribes to the view that there can be no peace without trust,” Ambassador Davide said, adding that the international community can only expect the possessors of nuclear arms to participate fully in a multilateral undertaking towards global nuclear disarmament should there be a climate of confidence and trust prevailing among them.

Ambassador Davide said that in order to foster a climate of confidence and trust, there should be a common understanding where all possessors of nuclear arms are coming from in terms of their respective stockpile of nuclear arsenals and delivery systems; the presence of a reliable and accurate reporting of action on global nuclear disarmament to an accepted international body or entity; and a mechanism enabling all to verify fully actions taken in pursuit of global nuclear disarmament.

“The Philippines submits that the elimination of nuclear weapons is the only guarantee against—or the only way to save humanity from—the use or threat of use of such weapons,” Ambassador Davide said. END

PR-866-09, 17 October 2009– Drawing on the beauty of her voice and the power of music, Tony award-honored Lea Salonga helped raise more than $19,000 in additional contributions for typhoon relief funds in twin events here.

Ms. Salonga made a special appearance at a “Solidarity Mass” at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle and had a reception for donors at the Philippine Ambassador’s Residence.

At St. Matthew’s, Salonga sang “The Lord’s Prayer” in Filipino and made a special appeal to the attendees saying, “Much has been done… but there is so much more that still needs to be done.”

At the donors’ reception, Ms. Salonga made a similar appeal and urged everyone present to do his or her part for the typhoon victims in the Philippines.

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Willy C. Gaa thanked Ms. Salonga for her commitment to help raise awareness and funds for typhoon victims in the Philippines.

“Her extraordinary voice is matched by her extraordinary heart,” said Ambassador Gaa.

“We thank Lea for what she has done and what she will continue to do for her country,” added Ambassador Gaa at the donor’s reception.

At the reception, a cheque for $10,000 was turned over by Covington and Burling representative Martin Gold to Ambassador Willy C. Gaa.

A cheque for $1,000 was likewise turned over by the George Washington University Hospital Women’s Board.

The events brought to more than $100,000 or 46 million pesos the amount raised for typhoon victims by the Filipino Community under the consular jurisdiction of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C.

More than half of the amount has been turned over to Philippine relief agencies and NGOs of choice by the donors and Filipino-American associations.

The World Bank Group-IMF Fil-Am Staff Association announced during the reception that the Association’s members had raised $40,000. The amount will be matched by IMF-WB under its Community Connections program.

The Filipino American Community of Central Virginia also announced it will match up to $10,000 donations made for typhoon victims under its continuing program. FAACV had earlier donated $5,000 to the Philippine National Red Cross.
Organizations such as the Philippine American Foundation for Charities, Inc. – the umbrella organization of Filipino associations in the Greater Metro DC area – had, last week, donated $5,000.

Feed the Hungry had released $8,000 in the immediate aftermath of typhoon Ondoy for rescue and relief operations of its partner organizations in the Philippines.

The Philippine Nurses Association of America donated more than $4,000 to its partners in the Philippines.

The Ateneo Alumni Association of Metro Washington DC and the De La Salle Alumni Association each raised $3,000.

The UP Alumni Association in Maryland, DC and Virginia had already raised $2,000 in its continuing drive.

Maryland Coalition Help Philippines and Katipunan Maryland raised $4,000 in the Metro Baltimore area and had conveyed the donation to various NGOs and partners in the Philippines.

Mission of Mercy Fil-Am Community of Hampton Road in Virginia raised $3,000 and the Travelers’ Association donated $2,000 to the relief agency of its choice..

The Filipino community in Georgia meantime transmitted – through Philippine Honorary Consulate General Atlanta – $3,485 in funds for the Philippine National Red Cross.

The ASEAN Ladies Circle too donated $1,500 to relief efforts in the Philippines.

The Philippine Embassy continues to coordinate with Filipino organizations within its consular jurisdiction and assists queries on how to best assist the relief and rehabilitation efforts in the Philippines.

In thanking the Filipino community and friends of the Philippines, Ambassador Gaa noted that the “tremendous outpouring of support and expressions of solidarity serve to further strengthen our resolve as we move towards rehabilitation and reconstruction.”

“The Filipino spirit remains strong and unbowed; together with our kababayan and friends here and around the world, the challenges we now face will be overcome,” said Ambassador Gaa. END

Sorsogon Province (7 October) — It’s all system go for the Kasanggayahan Festival 2009, this province’s premier festival, which will formally open on October 17, in time for the 115th foundation anniversary of the Sorsogon province.

In a press conference held Tuesday (October 6), Msgr. Francisco P. Monje, Kasanggayahan Foundation, Inc. president, has assured that the activities are already in place and committee preparations are all set for the opening ceremonies on October 17 as well as for the smooth staging of the festival.

According to Monje, this year’s theme “Pangangalaga sa Kalikasan, Buhay ng Susunod na Salinlahi Tungo sa Tunay na Kasanggayahan” (Care for Environment, Life of the Next Generation Way to the True Kasanggayahan) will serve as an awakening for the present generation that the best legacy we can leave for the future generation is but a healthy and rich environment.

Monje also stressed out that “our time now needs nurturing hands from the humanities of the world and it is indeed fitting to start our unified dedication and commitment towards care for the planet where we live in.”

“Kasanggayahan Foundation, Inc., the Provincial Government of Sorsogon, LGUs, government line offices, non-government organizations, private institutions and individuals have pledged to chip in their time, talents and resources to ensure a simple yet meaningful and successful celebration of this year’s festivities,” Monje accounted.

Credit for coining the word Kasanggayahan is given to the late Rev. Fr. Jose O. Ofracio, then the parish priest of the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral in the then capital town of Sorsogon.

Fr. Ofracio, also an author in Bicol, made an explanation of Kasanggayahan in the following verses “…when the fields are green and the grains are golden; when the machines work well and business prosper; When the birds in the sky chirp freely and men on earth are peacefully happy; In Bicol, it is Kasanggayahan, meaning a land of peace and a life of prosperity…”

The first Kasanggayahan celebration of the province was held in 1974 under the administration of the late Juan G. Frivaldo, then governor of Sorsogon.

Meanwhile, Gov. Sally A. Lee last week issued Executive Order No. 010 S-2009 declaring October 17 as a special local non-working holiday and enjoining all government officials and employees, as well as the private sector, to actively participate in all the events of the Kasanggayahan festivities.

The declaration is also based from RA 7380 which was passed by Congress and signed into law by then President Corazon Cojuanco – Aquino last April 10, 1991 declaring Oct.. 17 of every year as a Special Holiday in the whole province of Sorsogon in celebration, commemoration and founding anniversary of Sorsogon as a separate province from Albay. (PIA Sorsogon)

SORSOGON CITY,Oct. 11 -Vital in every province or community is the promotion of its historical and cultural heritage among its peoples to foster cultural identity, nationalism, patriotism and sense of pride among them.

‘Bisita Museo sa Kasanggayahan’ realizes this ensuring awareness and promotion of Sorsogon’s historical and cultural heritage, through a month-long guided tour being held at the Sorsogon Museum and Heritage Center, Inc. (SMHCI) in time for the Kasanggayahan Festival 2009.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Bicol regional director Maria Ong-Ravanilla said proponent of the activity, the ‘Bisita Museo sa Kasanggayahan,’ which started on Oct. 1 and to last until Oct. 30 this year, is open for tour-visitation from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays giving priority to elementary and high school students, teachers and visitors from other places who want to have a glimpse of Sorsogon’s past.

The general public, however, is also encouraged to visit the museum especially during Saturdays since it is closed on Sundays.

Trained volunteer-students from tertiary schools in the province facilitate the guided museum tour.

“These volunteers underwent the Museum Tour Guiding Training Workshop on September 18, 2009 facilitated by personnel with tourism orientation and tour guiding expertise from various organizations and government agencies here,” Ravanilla said.

Guidelines provided during the Tour Guiding Workshop will be adopted by the SHMC as its official tour guidelines.

Sorsogon governor Sally Lee said that the’Bisita sa Museo’ highlights the pre-history information, like the significance of burial jars and stones, the Chinese wares during the Ming Dynasty as part of barter trade with China, the Galleon Trade with Donsol’s Astillero and Magallanes’ shipyard, the Fil-Am war and abaca industry during the American Era and the important personages/structures in Sorsogon’s history.

Visitors will also find in the museum Sorsogon’s breathtaking eco-tourism destinations based on dioramas, Philippine Daily Inquirer’s collection/library and other informative and multicolored presentations.

‘Bisita Museo sa Kasanggayahan’, the first formal guided tour at the SMHC, is realized through the Kasanggayahan Foundation, Inc. (KFI) in cooperation with the Sorsogon Museum and Heritage Center, Inc. (SMHCI), Sorsogon Arts Council (SAC), Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and the Department of Education (DepEd) Sorsogon City Schools Division.(PNA)

Nutrition Facts say that guava is the most nutritious fruit. Guava are high in dietary fiber,Vitamins A and C,Vitamin B3 and G4 and polyunsaturated fatty acids especially the seeds.It has four times the amount of Vitamin C in orange,has good levels of dietary minerals,potassium,magnesium,and otherwise broad,low calorie profile of essential nutrients. Guavas contain both major classes of antioxidants pigments carotenoids and polyphenols. Guavas that are red.yellow or orange in color have more potential value as antioxidant sources than unpigmented species.

PR-865-09, 16 October 2009 – Ms. Josette Sheeran, Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), will visit the Philippines on October 21-22 to assess the ongoing emergency relief conducted by the humanitarian agency on victims of the two typhoons that hit the Philippines recently.

The WFP is extending assistance to the Philippines amounting to US$26 million out of the total UN assistance of around US$75 million.

This includes around 26,000 metric tons of food to feed around one million people for three months; 30 inflatable dinghies; and the use of three helicopters.

The helicopters will also allow for vulnerable populations in low-lying areas to be relocated and for the conduct of comprehensive assessments of infrastructure and overall damage.

Additionally, WFP will also provide an emergency telecommunications system to allow humanitarian workers to better coordinate relief efforts.

The agency will shortly be deploying helicopters and boats to allow other humanitarian agencies to access hard-to-reach areas and to deliver vital supplies as rapidly as possible.

Philippine Ambassador to Italy and Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the WFP Philippe J. Lhuillier expressed to Ms. Sheeran the Philippines’ gratitude and appreciation to the emergency assistance extended by WFP.

He said the rapid reaction of the WFP to the catastrophe is admirable. A huge number of people have literally lost everything in the disaster and the assistance given by the WFP will go a long way in helping them cope with the disaster.

Ms. Sheeran said she hopes donors will step in with contributions to allow WFP and other humanitarian agencies to support the government relief effort at this time of critical need.

Poland and other European countries had reportedly pledged to assist through the WFP.

Ambassador Lhuillier said this is a manifestation of the high regard of the international community on the work of the Philippines in the WFP. END

PR-864-09, 16 October 2009 – The Commission on Appointments (CA) confirmed the appointments of four Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary (AEPs) and 28 officers of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) during its plenary session last October 14.

Confirmed by the CA were:

1. Enrique A. Manalo – AEP to the Kingdom of Belgium, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Commission of the European Communities and the Council of the European Union. He is currently the DFA Undersecretary for Policy.

2. Jesus I. Yabes – AEP to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan with concurrent jurisdiction over the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of Tajikistan. He is the Assistant Secretary for Legal Affairs.

3. Mario L. De Leon, Jr. – AEP to the Republic of South Africa with concurrent jurisdiction over the Republic of Angola, Republic of Botswana, Kingdom of Lesotho, Republic of Mozambique, Republic of Namibia, Kingdom of Swaziland and Republic of Zimbabwe. He is concurrently the Assistant Secretary for Fiscal Management and the Chief Coordinator of the Office of the Secretary.

4. Jerril G. Santos – AEP to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. He is currently the Chief of Presidential Protocol.

PH-181-09, 16 October 2009 – A special mass for the victims of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng drew in the Filipino community from the States of Virginia and Maryland and the District of Columbia last October 13.

The Mass offered prayers for the full and swift recovery of all victims of recent calamities in the Asia-Pacific, particularly those who suffered the floods and landslides after typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng.

Tony award-honored Lea Salonga made a special appearance and sang the “The Lord’s Prayer” to an estimated 400 attendees that included leaders of Filipino organizations based in the metro DC area, Central Virginia and Baltimore.

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Willy C. Gaa said the Mass was “a demonstration anew of the deep and abiding ties that bind the Filipino and the Philippines wherever his destiny takes him.”

Speaking after the Mass, the Ambassador thanked Ms. Salonga and the Filipino community for the demonstration of solidarity with communities affected by the typhoons.

The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Evelio Menjivar and concelebrated by Fr. Angel Quitalig. END

PR-863-09, 16 October 2009 – Since October 2, the Philippine Consulate General New York and the Filipino American Human Services, Inc. (FAHSI) have served as drop-off points for donations of blankets, towels, bed sheets, canned goods, toiletries, and clean used-clothes for the victims of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng.

In-kind donations will be received at these locations only until October 31.

Free shipment of a limited number of boxes to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is provided by Johnny Air/Ocean Cargo, through the Philippine Consulate General. On October 15, 1,800 lbs. of relief goods were sent to the Philippines by air-freight and should arrive by end of the week. END

PR-862-09, 16 October 2009 – The Catholic Bishops Conference of Switzerland (CBCS) issued a call for support, prayers and donations to the victims of natural disasters in several counties in Asia, including the Philippines.

Father Dr. Felix Gmür, Secretary General of the CBCS, said in a statement published in German, French and Italian, that the Pope has also mentioned his concerns for the situation and called for assistance to the victims through prayers and donations.

Philippine Bishop Precioso Cantillas sent a letter to the Swiss Bishops asking for support for the suffering population.

The Philippine Embassy in Berne, the Swiss Asian Chamber of Commerce and the Philippine Catholic Mission headed by Fr. Johan Dumandan, joined together to solicit the support of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Switzerland and they are grateful for the generosity and solidarity of the Swiss Catholic Church for the victims of the calamity.

Philippine Ambassador to Switzerland Maria Theresa P. Lazaro conveyed her gratitude on behalf of the Philippine Government to the Swiss Catholic Church for the concern and assistance for the victims of the typhoon in the Philippines. END

PR-861-09, 16 October 2009 – Despite the brisk weather, “Lakad Tulong,” the fund-raising walk to raise funds and awareness about the plight of our kababayans following the onslaught of two typhoons – Ondoy (Ketsana) and Pepeng (Parma) – was a resounding success with more than 400 “walkers” braving below normal temperatures for early fall.

Held last October 11 in Jersey City, New Jersey, the walk raised $12,919.00 just from participants, bringing the amount raised so far by Project Handang Tumulong to $43,200.00 as of 14 October 2009..

Lakad Tulong was organized by the Filipino American Community of Northeast USA and the Philippine Consulate General with the support of the United States Census 2010, GMA Pinoy TV, Western Union and Michael Carr of the Carr Wealth Management Group. END

EMAIL SUBSCRIPTION

Today is the first day of spring in the northern half of the world. If you live in Australia, it’s the first day of autumn—the vernal equinox in the northern hemisphere and the autumnal equinox in the southern hemisphere. Today, the sun shines directly on the equator, and the hours of daylight and nighttime are nearly equal around the world. New seasons are […]

On this day in 2003, the United States, along with coalition forces primarily from the United Kingdom, initiates war on Iraq. Just after explosions began to rock Baghdad, Iraqâs capital, U.S. President George W. Bush announced in a televised address, âAt this hour, American and coalition forces are in the early stages of military operations to disarm Ira […]